What is the Educational Philosophy?
Getting ready to start your child in preschool? From parent co-ops to a Montessori preschool in Laguna Hills, there is a lot of variation between schools. It’s important that you spend time going over your options to find the right place for your child. Here are 5 questions you should ask each preschool you visit.
As with any environment of structured learning, the educational philosophy of a preschool is a great place to start in your search. This includes the school’s curriculum, the prioritization of children’s needs, and the allocation of time for different activities.
What Does the Daily Routine Look Like?
You will want to know what a typical day will look like for your child in a Montessori preschool or other setup. Find out what kinds of activities to expect, such as nap time, snack time, and outdoor play. If there is a problem with your child’s participation in any part of the expected routine, ask about alternative options.
What Kind of Training Do Staff Members Have?
The professionals working with your child should be qualified as well as experienced. Teachers should have an excellent understanding of child development and design their activities and classroom rules accordingly. Spend time talking to staff members to get to know them and assess whether or not they will mesh well with your child’s personality and needs.
What Kind of Safety Measures are in Place?
You want to know that your child will be safe and cared for when you drop them off at preschool. Before you decide on a facility, tour the grounds and raise any concerns you may have. Ask about staff first aid training, playground monitoring procedures, and, perhaps most importantly, drop-off and pick-up policies.
How is Discipline Handled?
Even the calmest child will misbehave every now and then. Just as different parents have different philosophies and methods of discipline, each preschool will have its own approach to conflicts and disruptions. On the other end of the spectrum, you may also want to ask about the ways in which positive behavior is reinforced and rewarded.